Premier League Football Returns to Bramall Lane as Sheffield United Face Crystal Palace

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 01: A general view of Bramall Lane, home of Sheffield United FC during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Leeds United at Bramall Lane on December 1, 2018 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Premier League football will be returning to Bramall Lane for the first time since 2007 this weekend. Sheffield United take on Crystal Palace live on Sky Sports on Sunday afternoon, in a game that neither side will want to lose.

Premier League Football Returns to Sheffield United

Team News

It appears that Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder will have a full squad to choose from in their first home game of the season. Speaking to the media in his routine pre-match press conference, he instead alluded to the fact that all of his squad are pushing for a starting place.

Meanwhile, for Palace, there is no fresh injury news. As a result, that means that Mamadou Sakho and James Tomkins will both miss out. However, Jeffrey Schlupp – who missed last weekend’s opening fixture with Everton – is available. As a result, the only change may see Wilfried Zaha earn his first start of the season.

Crystal Palace Will Look to Exploit Sheffield United Tactics

The Blades’ unique style of play has been well talked about since their return to the Premier League. Chris Wilder’s side attack with overlapping centre-backs, as well as overlapping full-backs.

However, at times, this leaves them open to a counter-attack. They will have to prevent that from happening this weekend against one of the divisions best away sides.

Nine of Crystal Palace’s 14 victories came away from Selhurst Park last season. Since the Eagles returned to the Premier League in 2013, they have boasted a better away record in almost every season. Part of this is down to their exhilarating pace in attack. Sheffield United will have to be cautious in how they approach this game, otherwise, they will be ripped open by Wilfried Zaha and co.

Sheffield United v Crystal Palace Prediction

A loud and boisterous Bramall Lane crowd will be hoping that their side can pick up their first win of the season. However, against excellent travellers, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United may settle for a point in what is likely to be an end-to-end affair.